Grotto opening’s VIP guests
A SANTA’S grotto in Cardiff had two very special little helpers on hand when it opened to the public on Saturday.
Lord Mayor of Cardiff Dianne Rees met Father Christmas to launch the festive attraction at Ikea, and with them were Edie Madoc-Jones and Max McGuinness, who were both born prematurely and spent months on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the University Hospital of Wales.
All funds raised from this year’s grotto will go to the Noah’s Ark Charity Tiny Lives Appeal. The charity, which is currently working in partnership with the South Wales Echo on the last phase of the appeal, hopes to reach its £1m target by Christmas.
The Lord Mayor has chosen the Tiny Lives Appeal to raise funds for during her year in office, and has so far raised more than £51,000.
She said: “I’m delighted to have been here to open the grotto and would like to say a huge thank you to Noah’s Ark staff and volunteers, and of course Ikea, for making it possible.
“It was a delight to meet Edie and Max. Both babies spent a long time on NICU after being born of 23 and 26 weeks respectively.
“They’re now in great health thanks to the wonderful treatment they received.”
Head of events at the Noah’s Ark charity Linda Davies said: “Our opening day has been fantastic.
“It takes 88 volunteers to run the grotto each year.
“They all give their time to ensure the charity can raise as much money as possible for NICU babies and their families.
“Every family who visits the grotto will be helping another family who are facing a less magical Christmas this year.”
Until noon tomorrow, all donations to the Noah’s Ark Charity through the Big Give Christmas Challenge will be doubled. To make a gift, visitthebiggive.org and search Noah’s Ark Charity.
The charity launched its Tiny Lives Appeal two years ago in a bid to raise £1m for the NICU.
“The aim is to raise £125,000 by Christmas to pay for the provision of a new emotional support service for parents on the unit.
A spokeswoman said: “The service will help families to process the trauma of their experiences and hopefully reduce the prospect of long-term damage to their emotional wellbeing.
“It will also provide support to the nurses and doctors who give their all.”